Alberta woman to become first two-time Valedictorian in UNBC history

A familiar face will make UNBC history during this month’s Convocation Ceremony in Prince George.

Holly McVea, a Metis scholar from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta will become the first two-time Valedictorian in school history on May 29th.

After being selected for the distinction when she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology (Honours) in 2021, Holly will rise to deliver the Valedictorian address during Convocation’s ceremony two, after crossing the stage to receive her Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (Biology).

“I’m honoured and somewhat still in disbelief to have this unique opportunity to speak on behalf of my classmates again, but this time through a more developed lens,” she says. “I hope to represent the Class of 2026 in a way that reflects the community and its growth. I hope to encourage my classmates to recognize how the advice and teachings from our instructors extend far beyond the classroom. That wisdom is transferrable to our everyday life, well-being and whatever comes next.”

Since arriving at UNBC in 2016, Holly has become deeply immersed in campus culture and governance, working across departments such as Student Life, Recruitment, the First Nations Centre, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology, the Office of the Registrar, the Academic Success Centre and the Access Resource Centre.

She has served as a Student Senator on UNBC’s Senate and a member of the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre’s Board of Directors. In addition to serving as President of the Northern Undergraduate Students Society, Holly has also served in executive roles for multiple student-led organizations and has helped welcome new students to campus as an Orientation Leader.

“It was my first introduction to the UNBC community in a casual setting,” she explains. “I got to listen to both students and instructors performing, make some new friends and enjoy the start of the new chapter in my life.”

Holly received both the UNBC Graduate Entrance Award and the B.C. Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) UNBC Entrance Scholarship when she began the NRES Graduate program in 2022.

For the past year, she has balanced completing her master’s degree with serving as the Manager, Indigenous Services and Strategic Initiatives, overseeing both the University’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) and the First Nations Centre (FNC).